Creative Ideas for Lasagna

When most people think of ideas for lasagna, they usually imagine a large Italian meal. However, lasagna does not just have to be an Italian dish. In fact, lasagna can be adapted to different cultures and can be made to please all palettes; vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters.

With more and more people cutting down on their pasta intake, pasta-less lasagna is a great choice. Layer thinly sliced Idaho potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, red onion, garlic, and parmesan cheese and incorporate a béchamel sauce in between each layer. Bake at 350 degrees or until potatoes are tender. If you do not wish to use potatoes, substitute any thinly sliced root vegetable or even try layers of polenta or tofu.

Another great substitute for lasagna noodles is to use lengthwise sliced eggplant, zucchini, or squash. By simply roasting whichever vegetable you choose beforehand, and then layering with marinara sauce, fresh basil, turkey sausage and ricotta cheese, you will have a healthy and hearty meal.

If you choose to put an ethnic twist on your lasagna, then you must try a ‘Mexican Lasagna.”  Simply season ground beef with taco seasoning and sautéed onions, and layer the mixture over corn or flour tortillas. Add salsa, beans and manchego cheese in between layers and bake until bubbly. Top with sliced avocados.

For a mixed meat lasagna, use either vegetables or pasta noodles and add cooked (sweet and hot) Italian sausage, cooked ground beef and diced prosciutto.  Layer with a red sauce and cheese and you have yourself a meat-lovers dream.

As you can see, the last thing lasagna needs to be is traditional. With a little creativity and determination, you can turn lasagna into anything your stomach desires.